Thane Municipal Transport [TMT] — Complaint regarding TMT bus conductor demanding Aadhaar card for senior citizen concession

I am writing to complain about an incident that occurred on March 17, 2024, on TMT bus number MH-04-KF-4042.

I am a senior citizen and I have a valid identity card issued by the Thane Municipal Corporation Transport Services (TMT) with the number 20536. As per the TMT's policy, senior citizens are entitled to free bus travel from 13th March, 2024.

On March 17, 2024, I boarded the aforementioned bus (52 Thane Station to Bhoomi Acres) at Thane station at around 11:50 AM. The female conductor asked me for my Aadhaar card and told me that I would have to pay half fare if I did not have it. I showed her my TMT identity card, but she insisted on seeing my Aadhaar card.

After arguing with her for a while, she finally gave me a ticket, but it was only for the journey from Cadbury Junction to Hiranandani Circle/Indian Bank, instead of the full journey from Thane station to Brahmaand.

I would like to know why the conductor demanded my Aadhaar card when I had already shown her my valid TMT identity card. The TMT policy clearly states that senior citizens are entitled to free bus travel, and there is no mention of any requirement for an Aadhaar card.

I request you to please investigate this matter and take appropriate action against the conductor. You should also issue clear instructions to all bus conductors so that such incidents do not happen in the future.

Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.